Tips to Handle Dog Attacks Stay Calm: Even if fear grips you, try not to show it. I understand this is easier said than done, but it is important to attempt staying composed. Dogs can sense fear through the pheromones released by your body, which might provoke them further. Do Not Run: Running triggers the dog's natural hunting instinct, making them more likely to chase and attack. Avoid Direct Eye Contact: Looking directly into a dog's eyes may be perceived as a challenge. Instead, maintain soft peripheral eye contact. Use Barriers: Hold objects like a bag, jacket, stick, or umbrella between yourself and the dog. Throwing these objects in the dog’s direction (without targeting the dog directly) can also divert its attention, giving you a chance to escape. Give Firm Commands: Use strong commands like "No," "Stop," or "Back" to assert dominance. Retreat Calmly: Slowly back away while keeping the dog in your field of view. Maintain controlled movements and avoid sudden gestures. Protect Vital Areas: If a dog charges, protect your face, neck, and chest by crossing your arms or using a bag. Identifying a Rabid Dog Behavioral Changes: Sudden barking or aggression without provocation, anxiety, or unusual fearfulness. Reluctance to Eat or Drink: They may attempt to eat but face difficulty swallowing. Lack of Coordination: Unsteady movements or weakness, especially in the hind legs. Excessive Drooling: Drooling saliva dripping from the mouth. Change in Barking: The dog’s voice may sound abnormal. Difficulty Drinking Water: Signs resembling a fear of water may be observed. Once rabies symptoms appear, most animals die within 10 days. Do not attempt to handle a suspected rabid dog. Instead, inform the appropriate authorities immediately. Guidelines for Children Children who travel to and from school might encounter stray dogs. They should be instructed not to provoke or throw stones at them, as this might trigger aggressive behavior. If attacked, children can follow the measures mentioned above to protect themselves. If knocked down, they should curl up like a ball and protect their head and neck with their arms. If a dog bite occurs: Inform parents and teachers immediately. Wash the wound with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes. Apply an antiseptic cream or lotion. Seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor’s advice on rabies vaccinations. Inform the local veterinary surgeon and panchayat authorities. Responsibilities of Schools Build fences around the school premises to prevent stray dogs from entering. Supervise playgrounds and display warning signs if stray dogs are a problem. Educate children on how to handle dog encounters. Maintain a first-aid kit at all times. Train school staff to manage dog bite incidents. Collect and store information about hospitals offering rabies vaccinations. Transport bitten children to a hospital immediately. Inform parents and local authorities without delay. Maintain records of incidents. Collaborate with authorities to control stray dog issues. Provide psychological support or counseling to children affected by such incidents. Raise awareness among parents about the safety measures taken by the school. Role of Parents Parents must make their children aware of rabies risks and precautions. Encourage children to travel in groups rather than alone. Instruct them to inform an adult if they encounter an aggressive dog. If you own a pet dog, ensure it is vaccinated against rabies, fulfilling your responsibility toward society. Our children are the promise of the future. It is our duty to protect and safeguard them. Content author : Dr S Jayasree, BVSc&AH, PGD(OH), PGDTMD